If I Were Told the Future - Lesson 53

The 1335 Days

The very last prophetic period presented to the prophet Daniel was the 1335 days.

To understand the meaning of this prophecy, we need Your Word, but also the presence of Your Holy Spirit.

We humbly ask You to enlighten us and to guide us, so that we may always wisely use the knowledge You will give us.

In Jesus Christ we pray.

Amen.

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Daniel 12:11

From the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

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Daniel 8:10,11

[The little horn] waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped on them.

Yes, he magnified himself even to the Prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away.

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In our last lesson, we learned that the prophecy of the 1290 days began when the daily sacrifice was taken away, a work which Daniel chapter 8 attributes to the little horn, a symbol of the Church of Rome.

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Revelation 13:5,6

Power was given to him to continue forty and two months.

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God.

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Revelation 11:2

The holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

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The removal of the daily sacrifice corresponds with the arrival of the Church of Rome on the political scene, in A.D. 538.

During the following 1260 years (42 prophetic months), the Church of Rome presented itself as God’s representative on earth, thus attacking Jesus’ work of intercession in the heavenly sanctuary.

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Daniel 12:6,7

«How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?»

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was on the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him that lives for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

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Since the 1290 years concern the Roman Church’s reign, the course of the 1290 years takes place during this reign, which has two distinct stages:

- A first reign of 1260 years («for a time, times, and a half», or 3½ times), from A.D. 538 to 1798.

- Then, a second and last reign, «and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.»

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Daniel 12:11

From the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

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Revelation 17:2,4

The kings of the earth have committed fornication [with the great whore], and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. (...)

[She had] a golden cup in her hand full of abominations.

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So the 1290 days end during the Roman Church’s second reign, when «the abomination that makes desolate [is] set up», that is, an event linked with the alliance between the apostate Church and the nations made drunk with her wine.

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Daniel 12:4,10

But you, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (...)

None of the wicked shall understand. But the wise shall understand.

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Then, to solve the 1290 days enigma, we invited you to answer these two questions, with the help of God’s Spirit:

- When must we consider the Roman Church to have entered into its second reign, thus resuming the course of the 1290 days interrupted in 1798 at the end of its first reign?

- What event linked with the «abomination» (the alliance between the Roman Church and the nations intoxicated with her wine) happened 30 years after the beginning of the Roman Church’s second reign, adding to the 1260 years of the first reign to complete the 1290 years?

Now, Daniel chapter 12 presents a direct parallel with the seventh trumpet, thus confirming that the prophetic period of the 1335 days leads to the days of Jesus’ return.

Let’s look at this...

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Daniel 12:12,13

Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.

But go you your way till the end be: for you shall rest, and stand in your lot at the end of the days.

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The conclusion of the book of Daniel already suggested that the 1335 days lead to the days of Jesus’ return: indeed, the angel told Daniel that he would receive his inheritance «at the end of the days», that is, at the end of the 1335 days.

But even more convincing is the use of the expression «Blessed is he...».

How is this expression linked with Jesus’ return?

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Daniel 12:12

Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.

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Each one of the three books making up the cornerstone of Bible prophecy contains the expression «Blessed...»:

- only once in the book of Daniel, linked with the 1335 days;
- only once in Matthew chapter 24;
- and seven times (God’s perfect number) in the book of Revelation.

Amazingly, each one of these nine «Blessed...» refers to the very same event: the return of Jesus. Let’s look at each one of them.

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Matthew 24:45,46

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord has made ruler over His household, to give them meat in due season?

Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He comes shall find so doing.

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In Matthew chapter 24, the only «Blessed...» is associated with the coming of the Master, that is, the return of Jesus.

Besides, this blessing is linked with the work of the patient and persevering servant, while waiting for Jesus’ coming: this reminds us of the words «Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the 1335 days.» (Daniel 12:12).

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Revelation 1:3

Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.

For the time is at hand.

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Let’s now look at the seven «Blessed...» contained in the book of Revelation. They are the key to understanding the 1335 days, since their progression describes the unfolding of the last days of this world’s history, until Jesus’ return.

The first «Blessed...» appears in the first verses of Revelation, and leads us to the days just preceding the return of Jesus: «Blessed is he that reads (...). For the time is at hand.»

The 1335 days thus lead us to the last countdown before the glorious return of Jesus. Precise events will take place at that time, indicating to those who are watching that this last countdown has begun.

In the seven lessons of the section «The Last Hours of History», we will study in detail the events that will take place at that time.

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Revelation 14:13,14

«Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from now on. Yes,» said the Spirit, «that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.»

And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and on the cloud One sat like to the Son of man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.

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The second «Blessed...» introduces the scene of the great harvest. As we will study in a future lesson, this scene represents the glorious return of Jesus, gathering the righteous like good seed.

This «Blessed...» is addressed to all those who have worked in God’s harvest, which has cost them their lives. This indicates that the last days will be marked by an unprecedented evangelistic effort, but also by a time of persecution against the faithful believers.

Now we can better understand why the 1335 days correspond, according to the chiasmus of Daniel 12, with «a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.» (Daniel 12:1).

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Revelation 14:13

«Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from now on. Yes,» said the Spirit, «that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.»

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Daniel 12:12,13

Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.

But go you your way till the end be: for you shall rest, and stand in your lot at the end of the days.

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Besides, let’s note the striking parallel between this «Blessed...» and that of Daniel chapter 12.

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Revelation 16:15

Behold, I come as a thief.

Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

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Revelation 19:9

Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!

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While the second «Blessed...» was addressed to all those who will die before the return of Jesus, the third «Blessed...» is addressed to those who will still be alive at the time of the battle of Armageddon (which we will study in a future lesson), taking place just before the coming of Jesus «as a thief».

And from the fourth «Blessed...» onward, we finally witness the hoped-for and long-awaited event: the glorious return of Jesus Christ, which is the occasion for the marriage supper of the Lamb.

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Revelation 20:6

Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection.

On such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

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Revelation 22:7

Behold, I come quickly.

Blessed is he that keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

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The fifth «Blessed...», associated with the first resurrection, and the sixth «Blessed...» are thus directly linked to the glorious return of Jesus.

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Revelation 22:12-14

«And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.»

Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

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And finally, the seventh and last «Blessed...» of Revelation is pronounced along with the announcement of Jesus’ return, proclaiming the bliss of those who, through the blood of the Lamb, will inherit eternal life.

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Matthew 24:36

But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

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Matthew 25:13

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes.

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The 1335 days lead to the days of Jesus’ return. But is it possible to know the date of this glorious event?

So, without being able to determine the precise date of His coming, it isn’t ruled out that we might someday know the year.

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Acts 1:6,7

[The apostles] asked of Him, saying, «Lord, will You at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?»

And [Jesus] said to them, «It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in His own power.»

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Daniel 12:4

But you, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end.

Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

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Likewise, whereas it was not for the apostles to «know the times», it is different for those whose «knowledge shall be increased» in the last days.

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Matthew 24:42-44

Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come.

But know this, that if the manager of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Therefore be you also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes.

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Interestingly, while saying that no one can know the precise moment of His return, that is, the day and hour, Jesus compared this event to the coming of a thief.

Now, let’s carefully read the following passage...

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Revelation 3:3

If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come on you.

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In one of His letters to the churches, Jesus confirms that He will come as a thief, that is, in a sudden and unexpected way.

But let’s note for whom Jesus will come as a thief: «If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief.»

Even more, Jesus specifies that he who doesn’t watch «shall not know what hour» He will come.

So we can deduce that, on the other hand, Jesus won’t come as a thief for the one who is watchful. Now, the apostle Paul precisely confirms this, in the next passage...

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1 Thessalonians 5:2-4

For yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

For when they shall say, «Peace and safety;» then sudden destruction comes on them, as travail on a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that that Day should overtake you as a thief.

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In fact, Paul confirms that, for all men, Jesus will come «as a thief in the night», except for those who «are not in darkness».

So it is indeed possible not to be surprised by this great event.

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Daniel 12:11,12

From the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.

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Daniel 12:1

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which stands for the children of your people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.

And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the Book.

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So, the 1335 days will come to an end 45 years after the end of the 1290 days (1335 - 1290 = 45).

The serious student, who arrives at the correct conclusion about the meaning of this prophecy, will therefore discover the year when the last countdown of this world’s history and the great «time of trouble» begin, leading to the return of Jesus.

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Daniel 12:4,9,10

But you, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (...)

Go your way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand.

But the wise shall understand.

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Once again, dear Bible prophecy students, with the help of God’s Spirit, you have all the keys you need to unlock the 1335 days prophecy. It is for each one of us to ask God to reveal the meaning of that prophecy.

The book of Daniel chapter 12 gives us many reasons to believe that, as the return of Jesus draws near, the 1335 days enigma will be solved. For the Bible clearly states that:

- in «the time of the end, (...) knowledge shall be increased» (Daniel 12:4);

- and «the wise shall understand» (Daniel 12:10).

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Daniel 12:6,7

«How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?»

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was on the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him that lives for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

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Let’s conclude this lesson with a few warnings.

First, the prophecy of the 1335 days indicates that the second reign of the Roman Church will end «when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people».

This is a call to serious preparation, because the events of the last days will be very difficult.

Jesus Himself confirmed this fact...

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Luke 21:34-36

Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that Day come on you unawares.

For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

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Jesus’ warning supports that of the 1335 days: only very serious preparation will allow the believer to «be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass», before Jesus Christ’s glorious return.

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Psalm 139:23,24

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

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Jeremiah 33:3

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not.

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Another warning: let’s always be willing to admit that we may have wrongly understood the meaning of the 1335 days.

But one thing is sure: at the right moment, God will reveal the truth to the sincere and serious student.

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Mark 13:37

What I say to you I say to all, Watch.

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A last warning: let’s be aware of the danger of thinking we know the year when the last countdown leading to Jesus’ return begins.

Some people, by setting the year too early, can be discouraged when they see that they were mistaken.

Others, by setting the year too late, may not seriously prepare themselves, wrongly believing that they still have much time before them.

The only wise attitude is to follow Jesus’ advice: let’s watch, in order to always be ready, continuously having a strong personal relationship with our Savior and Lord.

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Let’s pray:

Father,

We don’t know if our understanding of the 1335 days is at present entirely accurate. However, we know that, one day, You will reveal the truth to us, for «surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.» (Amos 3:7).

But there is something infinitely more important than knowing the year when the last countdown leading to Jesus’ return begins. Above all, we must be ready for this glorious event.

Please help us to seriously prepare ourselves, because «he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved.» (Matthew 24:13).